Ontario Increasing Education Funding in 2016-17

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Ontario Increasing Education Funding in 2016-17

Province Investing $22.9 Billion in Students and Schools

Ontario is increasing its investment in students and schools across the province by providing $22.9 billion in education funding through the 2016-17 Grants for Student Needs - an increase of approximately $300 million from last year.

The annual grants, provided to Ontario's 72 school boards to support funding for classrooms, school leadership and operations, specific student-related priorities and local management by school boards, continue to build on the significant gains made since 2003 and reflect the government's commitment to realizing the goals of Achieving Excellence: A Renewed Vision for Education in Ontario.

Next year's funding includes an increased investment of over $7 million for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit education. All school boards will receive a minimum level of funding for a position dedicated to support First Nation, Métis, and Inuit education initiatives, demonstrating Ontario's support for the education recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In addition, this position will promote a greater awareness of Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives and contributions among all students, while developing greater community and family engagement.

Ontario is also moving forward with regulatory changes that will foster the development of community hubs in schools by expanding the process that school boards must follow when selling or leasing schools. This will help unlock the value of schools as public assets and support communities with improved services.

Providing students with a world-class publicly funded education system is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority -- growing the economy and creating jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is also making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

Quick Facts

Since 2003, the Grants for Student Needs have increased by more than $8 billion — or 59 per cent — despite declining school enrollment.

During that same time, per-pupil funding has increased by 63 per cent to $11,709.

Additional highlights of the 2016-17 Grants for Student Needs include increased funding to address higher operating costs such as utilities, and steps to ensure compliance with full-day kindergarten and primary (Grades 1 to 3) class size requirements.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“I am proud to say that we are once again increasing our investment in publicly funded education, including an increase in per-pupil funding. We are also increasing support for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit education by funding enhanced teaching resources to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Overall, the 2016-17 Grants for Student Needs reflects the commitment of our government and the entire education sector to take our publicly funded education system from great to excellent.”